Choi Dae-ho, the mayor of Anyang, emphasized on August 4 that "drone safety activities addressing heatwaves are a prime example of citizen-centered smart administration in the era of climate crisis."
Amid record heat, Mayor Choi is accelerating the establishment of a "smart safety city" by utilizing AI-based autonomous drones to prevent heat-related illnesses.
On this day, he stated, "In response to the heatwave warning, we have deployed AI autonomous drones along a 2-kilometer stretch from Chung-hoon Bridge to Sewol Bridge on the Anyangcheon River to broadcast safety messages for heat illness prevention."
This initiative aims to prevent heat-related incidents among citizens using the Anyangcheon River, particularly those who walk or exercise alone, by having drones autonomously fly in areas where fixed announcements do not reach, providing safety guidelines.
The drones broadcast messages urging people to "limit outdoor activities and stay hydrated" and to "make use of cooling centers," while simultaneously transmitting live footage to the Anyang Disaster Safety Situation Room and the Drone Integrated Situation Room.
This allows for the early detection of individuals suspected of heat illness or emergencies, enabling swift responses.
Currently, Anyang operates one autonomous drone stationed on the roof of the Anyangcheon Ecological Story Center, conducting five patrols daily along the 2-kilometer stretch from Chung-hoon Bridge to Sewol Bridge.
Notably, this response to the heatwave expands the previously rain-focused drone system to include heat-related disasters.
Last year, during heavy rainfall, Mayor Choi implemented on-site drone broadcasts, and in October of the same year, he established a system for autonomous operation without on-site deployment.
As a result, Mayor Choi has been recognized for enhancing the safety net for citizens by establishing a "four-season smart disaster response system" that actively addresses seasonal disasters such as heavy rain and heatwaves.
Local residents have responded positively.
Frequent users of the Anyangcheon River expressed, "It’s reassuring to have drones providing announcements even in less visible areas," and noted, "This will be a practical help for elderly individuals or children exercising alone," adding that utilizing drones for both heavy rain and heat reflects smart city governance.
Some citizens also remarked, "The ability to monitor emergencies in real-time is a great example of preventive administration that protects lives," expressing hopes for expanded safety management using advanced technology.
Meanwhile, Mayor Choi Dae-ho stated, "We will continue to develop Anyang as a smart safety city, utilizing advanced technology for preventive disaster responses, ensuring that citizens can safely enjoy the Anyangcheon River throughout the year."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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